Authorities suspect that two ransom notes directed at the family of Nancy Guthrie, including one claiming her death, were sent by her kidnapper or group of abductors. The investigators involved in the case believe both notes originated from the same computer IP address.
The first note demanded a large sum of bitcoin for Nancy Guthrie’s release. A second note, sent a few days later, indicated that she had died, explaining that her death was unintended. These details emerged from sources who reviewed the notes.
Her daughter, Savannah Guthrie, co-host of the “Today” show, expressed her belief in the authenticity of the notes in a March interview with NBC. “There are many different notes that came, most of which are not real. But I believe the two notes we received and responded to are genuine,” she stated.
The first note was sent on February 2, a day after Nancy Guthrie, 84, disappeared from her Tucson, Arizona home. It was delivered to three media outlets via their online tiplines, including two local news stations and TMZ. The note provided detailed information about Guthrie’s home, such as the presence of an Apple Watch with a white band in her bedroom and her broken back porch light. It was addressed to Savannah Guthrie, according to multiple sources.
The second note, sent on February 6, matched the style and language of the first but made no demands as per the sources’ reviews.
In a heartfelt plea to the kidnappers, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings released an Instagram video after the second note’s arrival. “We received your message and we understand,” Savannah Guthrie said in the video. “We beg you to return our mother so we can celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace. … This is very important to us, and we are willing to pay.”
The investigation is being led by a task force including FBI and Pima County detectives. They continue to search for Guthrie and those responsible for her abduction.